The Little Free Pantry in Manasquan
You've probably seen the Little Free Library stands -- the ones where you can grab a book or leave a book. Well, now you can do the same thing with food!
Following the concept of the Little Free Library, the Little Free Pantry is a new grassroots project...and what a great idea it is!
You can now drop off non-perishable food items (or take the ones you need) any time, day or night, at the Little Free Pantry stand in front of the First Baptist Church of Manasquan office at 51 South Street in Manasquan.
FBC's Pastor Joe Gratzel saw this new movement on social media and jumped at the idea. He asked local cabinet maker Bill Lee of Lee's Fine Woodworking in Lake Como (with generous help from the congregation) to design and build this Little Free Pantry in order to help area residents who may be in need of food.
The door to the pantry is always unlocked and there are no questions asked. So if someone you know is in need of food and can't make it to a regular food pantry during the hours they are open, tell them to stop by the Little Free Pantry, open the door, and take what they need!
The Little Free Pantry is stocked with basics including cereal, soup, canned meat, and baby food, with the intention of 'taking what you need, leaving what you can.' A brochure with information on local food pantries is also available inside the Little Free Pantry.
Conversely, If you have some food you can donate, drop by and put it on a shelf in the Little Free Pantry! Please help spread the word...and make something 'little' BIG!
The original Little Free Pantry was piloted by Jessica McClard of Fayetteville, Ark. who had seen the Little Free Libraries popping up along her running route. For more info CLICK HERE.
More from The Point: